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Gifts that Change Lives

9th February 2010

The first time Nigam Chopra really felt that Jesus loved him was simply because someone showed him kindness during a time of need.

Gospel for Asia–supported missionaries gave Nigam a rickshaw during a Christmas gift distribution program in December. Previously, Nigam had to rent a rickshaw to earn his daily wages. But now that he has his own rickshaw, he doesn't have to worry if he'll make enough to pay the daily fee and have enough left over to eat a decent meal.

Nigam was one of 210 people who received various gifts as part of the distribution that took place in Delhi at a Bible college campus.

Sixty-four bicycles were also given away, and Sahil Gupta was one of the recipients. He needed the bicycle to ride to and from his job.

Rohan Bhatnagar was one of eight people who received a sewing machine. As a treasurer for one of the local churches, Rohan joyfully exclaimed that he would give more than a tenth of all the earnings he receives from his sewing jobs to the local church.

The rickshaw, bicycle and sewing machines were bathed in prayer before they were given to those in need.

"We firmly hope and believe that through these social development projects, we will one day wipe out poverty from the pages of Indian history," noted the GFA field correspondent who attended the event.

Throughout the distribution program, messages from God's Word were read. GFA leader Simon John shared a message on Luke 2:8-15 and how angels heralded the Good News of Christ's birth to the shepherds. Songs that spoke of the reason Jesus came to earth and shed His blood for mankind were sung in the native language and also in English by the Bible college choir. Other speakers also encouraged the audience to live a life like that of Jesus, who served mankind beyond the manmade social barriers of caste, creed and beliefs.

"We wanted all our believers to witness this event for themselves and see how the Church cares about assisting the poor and economically backward families—helping to improve their standard of living," the correspondent wrote. "We thank the Lord for enabling us to do this and for supplying enough grace in our lives to see this project accomplished."

  Buy a Bicycle for a Missionary Today.
  Watch a PhotoShow about how a sewing machine brought hope into a man's       poverty-stricken life.
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